The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) but denied service connection for somatic symptom disorder. The Board also denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD.
The deciding factor: The evidence was in approximate balance for the claims of service connection for tinnitus and PFB, so the benefit-of-the-doubt rule applied. However, there was no evidence linking the somatic symptom disorder to active service or a service-connected disability, so it was denied. The hearing loss and PTSD ratings were not warranted based on the severity of symptoms reported.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), somatic symptom disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25044223
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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